New Orleans is a difficult place for a rookie center to make his second NFL start. Martin will have to battle the cacophony of the Louisiana Superdome along with a talented Saints defensive line that includes nine-year veteran nose tackle Brodrick Bunkley.

RB FRANK GORE

The 49ers ended an early-season, two-game losing streak by giving the ball to Gore. He responded with a 119-yard game against the Eagles and 107 yards against the Chiefs, both 49ers wins. Is the key to ending the current two-game losing streak as simple as feeding Gore the ball? The 49ers should find out.

LB CHRIS BORLAND

The 5-foot-11 rookie linebacker will make his third start in a row, and this time his assignments will range from covering 6-7 tight end Jimmy Graham to stuffing running back Mark Ingram. The Saints’ offense isn’t pass-only anymore. They are seventh in the NFL in rushing yards per game with 129.5.

S ANTOINE BETHEA

He had the best game of all the 49ers against the Rams last week. This time, however, Bethea will have to match wits with Drew Brees, the NFC’s leading passer. Brees has new weapons this year, including first-round pick Brandin Cooks, and he’s completing nearly 70 percent of his passes.

Related stories from Sacramento Bee

The rookie hasn’t made a critical mistake in the return game. But he hasn’t added much pop either. As Ellington becomes more accustomed to returns, something he did seldom in college, look for his speed and athleticism to start having an impact.

About This Blog

Matt Barrows was born in Blacksburg, Va., and attended the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1995, went to Northwestern for a journalism degree a year later, and got his first job at a South Carolina daily in 1997. He joined The Sacramento Bee as a Metro reporter in 1999 and started covering the San Francisco 49ers in 2003. His favorite player of all time is Darrell Green. Reach Barrows at mbarrows@sacbee.com.
Twitter: @mattbarrows